Members Harbour
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Sea Commander
Originally built in the late 1950's by my dad, and rescued from his attic 22 years ago, it had major delamination problems, a seized propshaft, no rc kit only an ancient Taycol Supermarine motor which was ready for the scrap bin, but Doug in Munich offered to resurrect it, and I was actually amazed at how efficient it is now its refitted along with the special Doug converter box.
25amp water cooled esc, flysky 6 channel rx. All ppowered by the 12 volt 7amp hour battery.
Colin H
11 months ago
9 Attributes
1 Photo
3 Likes
Fishing boat SHANNON
My first scratch built boat, in 2002 when I was waiting for a broken ankle to mend. Sails okay but easily affected by the wind. I used up my balsa offcuts to build from a plan downloaded from internet.
6volt nicads 2000mah lasts between 35 to 45 minutes. 380 motor, 10 amp esc.
Colin H
2 years ago
0 Attributes
2 Photos
5 Likes
My first boat.
This little pond yacht was a 5th birthday present from my grandad in March 1954. Sailed regularly and is great fun. No control only luck and the wind.
In the 67 years I have owned it has had three sets of sails and been repainted only once.
Colin H
2 years ago
2 Attributes
4 Photos
7 Likes
Dart Belle Paddle Steamer.
Model acquired from the builder in 2017, he originally scratch built it in the 1960's. It performs quite nicely and is steered with independent paddle drive as well as rudder. Uses a 6volt sla battery.
Colin H
2 years ago
8 Attributes
1 Photo
2 Likes
Academy Kingfisher
This boat was given to me by a bird watcher who saw me sailing another of my boats on local private lake. He said he built from a kit in 1970. It came with a McGregor RC System included in its original box.
Colin H
2 years ago
11 Attributes
3 Photos
2 Likes
Westeriffe
Bought from another modeller on this site, built to a very good standard. Working lights, Fire fighting water canon. Powered by Robbe Power 1000 Motor.
Colin H
2 years ago
11 Attributes
6 Photos
6 Likes
(Tug Boat) VALIANT
This tug was built by a modeler in Bristol during the early 1960's it was given to me at the Abergavenny Steam and vintage show in 2016 by the makers grandson who told me it had been on display in his mums house from 1970 when his grandad died till 1987 when she died then put in his parents attic till it was given to me. it had a couple of holes in the hull and the upper works had been broken so required fixing. not having any pictures I used all the original bits that came with it so I hope it looks as it should. it's made mostly from balsa with some wooden bits and replacement planking from coffee stirrers otherwise all original. it requires 2 x 12v 7ah lead acid batteries and about 5 kilograms of ballast. (Silver Sand in 500grm packs).
On the only test run I've managed to tow a 16 foot fishing boat with three men on my local fishing lake. (Motor: geared 540) (ESC: 20amp MTroniks Viper marine) (8/10)
Colin H
5 years ago
0 Attributes
4 Photos
3 Likes
(Tug Boat) Emanuel
Built in 1954 by my Grandad. Construction is Bread and Butter in Balsa originally a free sail model but now converted to RC. 27mhz.was given to me on my 5th birthday. Not sailed for over 25 years, but now happy sailing for short runs as prop shaft leaks slightly. (ESC: Mtronics Viper Marine 20amp) (8/10)
Colin H
5 years ago
9 Attributes
1 Photo
1 Like
(Other) project X
Given as project, no known details of origins as yet. (Motor: Ripmax) (ESC: Viper Marine) (5/10)
Colin H
9 years ago
7 Attributes
1 Photo
0 Likes
(Working Vessel) Rust Bucket
This is my latest restoration project. its built completely of metal and is in a terrible condition although the hull seems to be water tight.
The motor and prop-shaft and prop is listed in a BASSETT LOWKE catalogue dating from 1936, so the boat age is unknown but my guess would be late 30's to 1950. All guesses acknowledged. (Motor: BASSETT LOWKE) (5/10)
Colin H
11 years ago
4 Attributes
1 Photo
6 Likes
(Pleasure Craft) FAIREY HUNTSMAN (KATHY'S CLOWN)
Just rescued from ebay seller who had it in storage since he inherited it in 1976, it was Fairey Huntsman, scratch built sometime in early 60's by his father who used to sail it near Manchester. its fitted with a SANWA 2F-2M RC system which seems to be still functioning. I will be doing restoration over the next few months, as there are a few cracks showing along most of the seems and I will need to sand and seal and repaint. (Motor: Marx) (ESC: Speed King) (5/10)
Colin H
11 years ago
7 Attributes
4 Photos
3 Likes
(Pleasure Craft) sea scout
This boat was one of my dads from the late 1950's.
It's an aerokits sea scout. Now fitted with a MabuchI motor of unknown power, but undergoing test running with 6 Volts, seem more than adequate, Belt drive to propshaft. (Motor: Mabuchi) (5/10)
Colin H
11 years ago
6 Attributes
10 Photos
6 Likes
(Pleasure Craft) MV Caroline
This model is a scratch built 1/15th scale model of an Ocean going pleasure craft built in 1964 by my late father. it was originally powered by a large bosch windscreen wiper motor, but has been replaced with an MFA RE 800 stock motor running from 2 x 12V sla batteries. Dry weight 13.2 Kilos. Last sailed in 1992 on open sea at Aberystwyth, I was on my dads fishing boat watching as dad sailed her the full length of the south beach and back into the harbour. Now ready to relaunch on Saturday 10th June 2017 at WMBC open day. (Motor: MFA . RE800) (ESC: Fusion Aquapower AQP128) (9/10)
Colin H
11 years ago
12 Attributes
4 Photos
8 Likes
(Fire Boat) Mk2 firefloat 93
This boat was originally built with my dad's help (mostly him), in about 1959/60 my first powered model and originally had a small diesel engine (E.D.I Think.)And no radio gear. But now fitted with electric motor and radio gear with working monitors and lights.hope to finish restoration in time for spring launch. (Motor: Mannesmann Clash21 ) (ESC: Mtronics sport tuned 20) (8/10)
Colin H
11 years ago
9 Attributes
Members Blogs
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Fairey Swordsman restoration.
HI fellow enthusiasts, am working on my wife's model at present, It was obtained from the original builder who had built It In 1964 from a kit but he couldn't remember the maker.
It Is 34.5 Inches long, and was originally fitted with a Sterling 60 glow plug engine, now removed. the boat has now been totally stripped back to bare wood and re sealed, filled, and glass cloth with resin coated.
That's It up to now, will update as work progresses. please feel free to comment or advise me of any errors I make.
Colin H
10 years ago
Recent Posts
π The Pleasure of Building Models
23 hours ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

Admiral)
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Greg, I think that's a wonderful idea. My granddaughter is 4 and plays for hours making up little stories with the models.
We started her off with Sylvanian families houses and figures they are good quality and mostly easy to clean.
Cheers Colin.
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π Train and Hobbies show 2023
23 hours ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Here in the UK, most shows are well supported, but over the last 5 years a lot of the large vintage and steam shows are dropping the model display marquees,as they don't generate any income.
I have been exhibiting for 43 years at my own expense travelling hundreds of miles on the poor British roads transporting my models and often struggling on muddy show fields to recieve little or no recognition for the effort, occasionally a small brass or slate memento.
I enjoy meeting with the public and talking about our hobby as I think we would all like to see more interest from the younger generations.
Cheers Colin an enthusiastic modeller.
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π The Pleasure of Building Models
1 day ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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π The Pleasure of Building Models
1 day ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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π The Pleasure of Building Models
1 day ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Dave B, that's a nice marine Mamod, I think Originally would have solid fuel blocks in a tray.
We've only got spirit burners in ours.
We have bought replacements from ebay in the past.
You could even try a small gas burner.
I'll try and post some photos of the Mamod display tomorrow, and possibly the railway layout.
Cheers Colin.
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π The Pleasure of Building Models
2 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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π Slec Ltd - Bob-A-Bout Footy Class Yacht Build
2 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

Admiral)
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Doug you should realise that Caroline wouldn't mind at all, in fact she would probably do the awkward bits for me.
Today a lot less painful so the hot water exercise is definitely working.
We both collected our new glasses this morning, amazing what we can see now, we both managed to read the small print at the bottom of the test sheet.
So will be back to modelling again very soon.
Cheers Colin.
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π Slec Ltd - Bob-A-Bout Footy Class Yacht Build
3 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Glad to hear your hand is getting some light use again, my physio tells me that I should always try using the bits of my body that have been repaired or are healing, but not to ignore the pain, if too bad I must stop.
In November 2018 I had a knee replacement, and was walking the next day and on my bike 8 days later.
My recent accident slowed me down, but the hand is almost back to full use, just have to do regular exercise in hot water.
Looking forward to seeing your progress soon, cheers Colin.
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π Huntsman 31 1/10
5 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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I've had similar problems with 2 boats I was given, both were cured by repositioning the receiver and antenna.
All my boats run on sla's or nicads even with brushless motors.
Cheers Colin.
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π Accidents happen.
5 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Quick update, feeling much better, leg is a bit stiff but mostly getting better. Left hand still not usable as when I try gripping with it I get excruciating pain and thumb still won't bend.
X-ray showed nothing broken, but my osteoarthritis in joints is worse. Told to stay as active as possible and try using hand in hot water ( so washing up after meals ).
This isn't as painful, got to wait for physio appointment.
Can see again but with slightly blured vision in left eye.
Stay safe shipmates and thanks again for all your kind wishes.
Cheers Colin.
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π Accidents happen.
6 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Your sympathy is much appreciated, my problem was that I had taken a strong pain killer an hour before I fell, only the blood made me realise that I was hurt.
Luckily my wife was able to patch me up, today the bruising looked quite bad, but I actually feel better, except for my left hand which isn't marked but extremely painful if moved.
Saw nurse at local surgery today but she couldn't find anything wrong and said it was probably a bad sprain.
If still as painful tomorrow I will go to A and E.
As a few of you have said age gets the better of us and we don't bounce as well as we used to.
It's so annoying that I can't do the things I want anymore.
Cheers Colin.
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π BYMS
6 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Great find, I have just searched for a copy but the cheapest I could find is Β£93.
So I've sent a request to my local library.
Cheers Colin.
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π Fairey Marine.
7 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Another must share video,
By far my favourite boat builder.
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π Pt boats.
7 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Just found this and thought it deserved sharing.
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π Accidents happen.
7 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Thank you all for your sympathy, bit stiff and sore this morning, can see again out of the left eye, so improving.
Cheers Colin.
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π Accidents happen.
7 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

Admiral)
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Just recently I have been having health issues which have held up my modelling activities.
Was over most of it and just starting to sort out my stock for further work or disposal.
Moving some stuff this morning my knee gave way and I had a hard fall with my face hitting the edge of my trailer, badly bruised wrist, knee, shoulder, but face got the worst, so now not seeing very well and left arm and hand not usable.
So no modelling this week again.
At least I can read what you guys are doing.
Take care shipmates, cheers Colin.
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π Adding A Fuse To The Electrics
9 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

Admiral)
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Hi, fuses in the electrical systems.
I find that if you can fit a fuse that is the same or slightly lower than the demand is the way to go.
Checking the stall current of the motor is a good place to start and fit a fuse with slightly lower rating in the feed line.
Cheers Colin.
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π¬ Re: Restore or burn ?
10 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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That's a great restoration and it looks fantastic on the water.
Makes my restorations look simple.
Great work shipmate, cheers Colin.
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π RNLI Moelfre lifeboat 'KIWI'
10 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

Admiral)
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That would be the most beautiful sight in the world to anyone in distress, fantastic looking boat.
Thanks for sharing with us, cheers Colin.
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π Ballasting a New Boat
11 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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One method I use is freezer bags with kids play sand in various weights starting with 50 and 100 grams, then 200 grams followed by 500 grams .
Then I can rearrange in the hull as needed. I label them by weights and keep in a big wine bucket. A couple of my larger models need 15kg. So having it in small packs cuts down on heavy lifting.
It also molds to the hull interior shape very well.
Cheers Colin.
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π Question of the Day?
12 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Top of home page on the phone app.
Haven't looked at computer recently.
Cheers Colin.
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π¬ Re: Aeronaut's Cabin Cruiser Diva - My First Build of an RC Boat - Part VII - Final Part
14 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

Admiral)
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No need for the apologies, your model looks great, be proud of your achievement.
Looking forward to seeing it on the water.
Hopefully your hand will be OK soon and you can get back to modelling.
Well done shipmate, cheers Colin.
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π Question of the Day?
14 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

Admiral)
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The living hopes of our hobby of model building lies with us helping others learn our skills.
Even those that use modern technology to produce items for use can have a great impact on the following generations.
So fellow modellers, let's keep sharing what we have learnt with those that wish to learn.
As I am nearing the end of my modelling life, I am happy that my grandson is learning from me and other modellers, and enjoying working on his own projects.
Keep it up for a better modelling world, as modelling has no boundaries.
Cheers Colin.
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π Recent Promotions
14 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Well done Trev, justly deserved progress.
Cheers Colin ππππ
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π Question of the Day?
15 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Count me in, got to keep the brain active.
Cheers Colin.
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π Rowing Dinghy 1/24 scale
16 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Good evening Chris,
That's definitely 1/24th scale. I have a few model clinker built dinghies of that scale, if I can find a 5 inch one would you be interested.
I am away till Wednesday afternoon, but will check my model store when I get home.
As I am in the middle of reducing my model collection to make it more manageable for shows.
Cheers Colin.
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π Masts for RN boats
17 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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My preference is to use brass flat, tube and rod, with soldered joints, then painting to correct colours .
Cheers Colin.
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π¬ Re: Kayak Kate in slo motion
19 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

Admiral)
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That speed looks so much more realistic to how I used to enjoy real touring in my kayak as a younger fitter lad.
Regular trips from Leicester to Skegness by kayak, and collected by my dad for return trip. 3 days out 2 hours return.
Thanks for reminding me of my youth.
Cheers Colin.
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π¬ Re: Russian K100D waterjet work boat project
19 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Looks great and sounds so realistic on you video, hard to see it as a model.
Cheers Colin.
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π Very sad news Martin555
20 days ago by
π¬π§ Colin H (

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Till we meet again, journey in peace shipmate.
Friends forever.
Colin.
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